The articulation of different life realms among women senior managers : a qualitative study on subjective well-being

Details

The articulation of different life realms among women senior managers : a qualitative study on subjective well-being

Title of the conference

SASE Annual Conference 2012

Author(s)

del Rio CarralM.

Publisher

M.I.T., Cambridge

Publication state

Published

Issued date

2012

Pages

92

Language

english

Abstract

Our presentation is concerned by the articulation of different life realms (professional, family, social, and personal lives) among women senior managers, a professional group clearly concerned by this issue, yet little explored empirically. Our theoretical framework is a critical and developmental perspective in Health Psychology (Santiago-Delefosse, 2002, 2011 ; Malrieu, 1989 ; Vygotski, 1985) as to analyse how « human activity » is related to subjective well-being in plural and often conflictual realms. Our aim is to understand the many ways in which women senior managers deal with perceived constraints, responsibilities and requests stemming from professional, family, social, and personal lives, and to identify the role of situated activity in subjective well-being. Consistent with theoretical background, we created a qualitative method. Two-time (T1-T2) interviews were conducted with 20 women, focusing on their daily activity (40 interviews). Main findings show the definition of three axes that describe articulation of life realms among participants. Interdependent yet autonomous, each axis is defined by « supports » related to activity which contribute to subjective well-being. These are developed in specific contexts through intertwinnements between embodiement and relations to diversified social others. Their specific psychological function is acquired on the basis of their role among a broader system of social practices, unique to every participant. According to this critical approach, subjective well-being among women senior managers emerges as a meaningful and changing process situated in a plural social context. Based on specificities of this professional group, findings open new research and practice perspectives.